More than thirty years after the introduction of the Nitrate Directive, the European Commission concludes that the directive still achieves its main objective. The current environmental regulations have contributed to better protection of water against nitrate pollution from agriculture. Brussels therefore considers a fundamental revision of the legislation unnecessary.
Previous studies over the past years have shown that nitrate still pollutes European waters, and that some EU countries do too little to combat this. As a result, Germany risks facing a multimillion-euro fine because German farmers continue to resist the reduction of areas where they are allowed to spread manure.
Livestock and Manure
The European Commission notes that water quality has not improved at the same pace everywhere. Especially in areas with high livestock density and large surpluses of manure, problems persist. According to the evaluation, these areas require extra attention for better nutrient management and further reduction of the impact on soil and water quality.
Promotion
Costs Billions
The evaluation makes clear that nitrogen pollution still costs European society a great deal of money. The societal damage for water treatment amounts to tens of billions of euros annually. Against this are significant benefits since the directive has reduced environmental damage.
Circular
Instead of new legislation, Brussels opts for better implementation of existing rules. In doing so, the Commission wants to reduce administrative burdens, simplify reporting requirements, make more use of new knowledge and innovation, and give EU countries more room to tailor measures to local conditions.
Brussels also wants to further expand circular solutions for the (re)use of natural fertilizers. Some progress has recently been made in this area.
Preferably More
The agricultural organization Copa-Cogeca finds the evaluation insufficiently aligned with current practice. According to the agricultural umbrella group, agriculture has changed significantly in recent years due to new techniques, changing climate conditions, and altered economic circumstances. Therefore, farmers should actually be allowed to use more nitrogen-containing fertilizers, the group advocates.